FAQ

Abandonment Policy

As a racecourse which operates throughout the Winter months, Wetherby fully appreciates the risk that the weather can occasionally pose to a race meeting. Therefore, the company believes it is fair to everybody concerned, that, with respect to charges, a clear abandonment policy is adopted. The Wetherby Steeplechase Committee Limited abandonment charges policy in relation to general admission purchases is as follows:

Before the 1st race – Full refund

Before the 3rd race – 50% refund

After the 3rd race – No refund.

In the event of abandonment, no refunds will be issued on the day. A message will be posted on the day on our website with full refund information.

Hospitality and Dining Packages

Special abandonment conditions are applied for purchases of hospitality and dining packages. This will be detailed to you at the time of booking.

REFUND INFORMATION – General Admission Advance Bookings

Refund policy may be amended dependent on abandonment circumstances. In this instance, we will place the relevant refund information on the website immediately following the abandonment and we will contact all pre-purchasers for whom we have email addresses with specific refund information. Otherwise the general policy is to be adhered to.

We will automatically refund all advance sale purchases within 10 days of the race meeting. We will notify you by email when we have processed your refund.

You do not need to return any tickets to us UNLESS you have purchased packages which include monetary value vouchers. i.e. Tote Betting Vouchers and/or Refreshment or Drinks Vouchers. In this instance you must return your packages to us in order to receive a full refund. Please return packages to us at the following address: Ticket Office, Wetherby Steeplechase Committee Ltd, The Racecourse, York Road, Wetherby, LS22 5EJ. We would recommend a signed for or registered post service for returning high value orders to us.

You do not need to return racecard vouchers as they will no longer be valid.

We will process your refund either by crediting the card your original payment was made with or in the case of cash/cheque purchases by sending you a cheque.

If you purchased badges/tickets in advance of the meeting, and they were not sent out but left for collection on the day of racing, then you will receive an automatic refund.

Refunds for Hospitality and Restaurant bookings will be dealt with individually by the Hospitality department and a member of the Hospitality team will contact you directly.

Accommodation

A selection of hotels and B&Bs can be found in Wetherby and the surrounding areas.

Save money and time by booking ahead. Your tickets will be sent to you in the post* so you can avoid queuing on the day.

We offer advance Early Bird booking discounts on purchases of Premier Badges & Paddock Tickets and our best discounts are available online. Discounts close at least 14 days prior to the raceday. Check the individual fixture information for discount offers and closing dates.

* You may purchase tickets in advance up to 24 hours prior to the race meeting (subject to availability).

Tickets will only be posted out if the order is received more than 5 full working days prior to the meeting; thereafter they will be retained for collection from the Ticket Collection Point on the day of racing.

Annual Badges

HOW TO APPLY

To register your interest in becoming an Annual Badge Holder or to request information, please telephone the Racecourse Office on 01937 582035 or email info@wetherbyracing.co.uk.

THE BENEFITS OF BECOMING A WETHERBY ANNUAL BADGE HOLDER ARE:

A MASSIVE SAVING on the combined cost of purchasing a Premier Badge for every one of our first-class Jump Racing meetings

Exclusive Annual Metal Badge

Access to the Wetherby Millennium Stand and Premier Enclosure

Access to the Exclusive Annual Badge Holders and Owners and Trainers Bar on Racedays

One Complimentary Racecard per fixture

Annual Badge Holders Car Park

Reserved Car Parking (Additional cost)

Reciprocal racedays with other Racecourses across the UK and Ireland

Discounts at selected local pubs

Reciprocal fixtures at Yorkshire County Cricket Club

Special Annual Badge Holder exclusive hospitality offers

Betting

Numerous Tote facilities are located within each enclosure. There is also a Betfred Betting shop in the Paddock where fixed odds betting is available.

Betting Rings are located in the Paddock and Course enclosures. Any complaints arising from bets placed with Bookmakers at Wetherby Racecourse must be directed to the Administration of Gambling on Tracks LTD (AGT) on 01480 499180.

Amateur photography with small cameras is permitted on the Racecourse in all areas normally open to the public. Flash photography is not permitted in any circumstances. Professional and press photographers wishing to attend a race meeting must contact the Racecourse for accreditation prior to arrival.

Car parking is provided within the Racecourse grounds and is FREE of charge. Directional parking signage is displayed and car park attendants are on hand to assist you.

‘CARS TO COURSE’

Racegoers can also pay to park in the centre of the course. Our ‘Cars to Course’ admission allows one car and up to 4 adults entry to the Course enclosure.

Cash Machine

There are cash machine facilities within the Bramham Hall and Level 2 foyer of the Millennium Stand.

There is no cash machine facility within the course enclosure.

Tote kiosks offer a ‘Cash-Back’ service when placing bets.

Children

Concessions

Accompanied children aged 17 years and under are admitted Free of charge to all enclosures. We do not admit unaccompanied children to the Racecourse enclosures, neither do we allow unaccompanied children free access between enclosures once inside. We advise that proof of age may be requested at the turnstiles.

This concession was introduced for the start of the 2013/14 jumps season in October 2013. The current 2013 brochure states that Under 16s are FREE, this is now out of date and the new under 18s concession above now supersedes.

Childcare Facilities

Premier Enclosure
Baby changing is provided on Levels 2,3, & 4.
High Chairs are available in the White Rose, Dine & View Restaurants and Private Suites for use by Patrons subject to availability.

Paddock Enclosure
Our ‘Parenting Facility’ located in the Cottage in the Paddock Enclosure, has everything you require to feed and change your baby in privacy and warmth.
A baby change unit, sink, and microwave are provided for your use.
The Bramham Hall Cafe also has high-chairs available for use on the day.

Course Enclosure
The enclosure has limited baby changing facilities. There is a small play area for children supplemented on busier days or school holidays by other activities. Please check with the racecourse for details. Goal Posts are set out for the Children away from the track and ball games are permitted in this area.

Coach Parking

Parking for coaches is provided within the Racecourse grounds. Coaches are able to drop-off and pick-up at designated points close to the main turnstile entrances.

Complimentary Paddock admission will be provided for coach drivers who present their Driver’s Manifest/Worksheet to the main turnstile. (Only one complimentary admission per coach).

Disabled Racegoers

CONCESSIONS

If a disability requires a racegoer to be accompanied to, and at the races, by a registered carer, one complimentary admission will be provided for the carer at the entrance on the day. Facilities for disabled racegoers are provided in all of our enclosures. For further accessibility information please contact the Racecourse.

PARKING

Disabled parking is provided immediately adjacent to the main entrance for those using the Premier or Paddock Enclosures. Cars may drive into the Course Enclosure subject to normal charges. Disabled parties can be catered for by prior arrangement.
Note: The racecourse does not provide ambulatory aids and parking is subject to availability.

FACILITIES

Premier Enclosure
The Wetherby Millennium Stand provides a ground floor access to Levels 1 and 2 together with passenger lifts serving all levels. Disabled toilet facilities are provided on all levels. A disabled viewing area is provided on Level 2.

Paddock Enclosure
A disabled toilet facility is provided within the Bramham Hall which also has level ground floor access. The majority of outside areas within the Paddock Enclosure are tarmacked. There is a raised viewing platform near the finishing post. Please note it is not possible to provide disabled wheelchair access to the Paddock Viewing Gallery, which does not benefit from disabled facilities.

Course Enclosure
The enclosure has limited disabled toileting. Level access is provided to the Course bar and cafe.

Dogs

Dogs (except registered guide dogs) are not allowed into any of the enclosures on racedays.

Dress Code

Wetherby does not operate a formal dress code in any of the enclosures. Those racegoers who wish to use the Premier Enclosure are kindly requested to wear smart casual clothing and dress for the weather!

Enclosures

‘Enclosures’ are the different areas of the Racecourse that you can access.

Wetherby have three different enclosures, Premier, Paddock and Course. Each offer varying facilities and admission pricing.

To find the best ‘Enclosure’ for you, please refer to our ‘Make the most of your day‘ section of our website which also provides additional information on all aspects of your raceday experience…

First Aid

Qualified First Aiders are on duty in all of the enclosures. If you require first aid assistance, please speak to a member of the Racecourse staff.

Food & Drink

Numerous bars and catering facilities are provided within each enclosure. For more detailed information please visit our Enclosures page. Additional outside bars and catering units are provided at many of our feature and feature plus race meetings.

Racegoers are not permitted to bring any personal supplies of food or drink into the Paddock or Premier enclosures. Exceptions can be made for those with special dietary requirements and with young children.

In the interest of safety and for the comfort of others, please note that glasses and bottles are not permitted outside in any part of the Racecourse except in signed and designated areas.

We will offer a 10% discount on telephone sales of 10 or more Premier Badges or Paddock Tickets.

Please note that all discounts will close at least TWO WEEKS prior to the meeting and for some busy meetings possibly earlier. Exact dates for discounts to close will be provided within the information relevant to each particular fixture.

Helicopters

Helicopter landing facilities are available by prior arrangement with Wetherby Racecourse. Telephone the Racecourse Office on 01937 582035.

There is a fee of £50 for Helicopters that wish to land at Wetherby Racecourse on non-racing business.

The nearest light aircraft landing facilities are located at the Yorkshire Gliding Club, Rufforth.

Horse Welfare

Wetherby Racecourse are committed to minimising risks, dealing quickly and humanely with injuries and maintaining the highest possible quality of life for the animals in our care. At every meeting we have three specially qualified Equine Veterinary Surgeons appointed to look after the welfare of all horses in action. There is also an HRA Veterinary Officer in attendance.

It is standard policy that in the event of a horse requiring veterinary treatment whilst on site, screens will be erected round the horse. It is designed to afford the vet and the patient some privacy.

Location

Equidistant between Leeds, York and Harrogate, Wetherby Racecourse is conveniently situated, just minutes from the A1 and with close links to the M1 and M62. See our How to Find Us section for more information.

Lost or Stolen Badges and Tickets

Unfortunately, Wetherby Racecourse can take no responsibility for lost or stolen badges. We post badges out using Royal Mail standard second class post, once released from this office we can claim no responsibility for them. Orders with a value of £400.00 or more will be posted out ‘Signed For’.

We offer a discount for Racegoers who are aged 65 and over of £5.00 reduction per person into our Paddock Enclosure or £3.00 reduction per person into the Course Enclosure. These discounts are only offered at the turnstiles on the day of racing and cannot be pre-booked. Proof of age may be requested at the turnstiles.

Opening Times

First race times vary, and for the majority of our fixtures, the gates and all facilities open 2 1/2 hours in advance of the first race. However, we may open earlier for busy fixtures. We will never open before 10.00am. Opening times for each meeting can be viewed on our fixtures page.

The Racecourse Office is open during normal office hours, 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, as well as on racedays.

Picnics

Racegoers are welcome to bring picnics into the car parks including the ‘Cars to Course’ car park.

Racegoers are not allowed to bring food/drink into either the Paddock or Premier Enclosures, unless for specific dietary requirements or for young children.

Public Transport

Detailed information on Public Transport links to the Racecourse is available on our How To Find Us page.

Race Cards

A Race Card or Race Programme is the essential guide for the day’s events and provides details of all the ‘runners and riders’.

The Race Card also contains useful information, adverts and articles.

Race Cards are available to purchase from kiosks located within all the enclosures.

The price for a Racecard is currently £2.50. They can be purchased online in advance of the meeting for £2.00 each.

Refunds or Cancellations

Refunds on tickets or badges will only be made in the event that racing is abandoned. Please refer to our terms and conditions.

Restaurants

DINE & VIEW RESTAURANT

The Dine & View Restaurant is located within the luxury trackside suites within the Wetherby Millennium Stand and offers a private table for the day in a trackside suite positioned close to the winning line with a viewing balcony. The package includes VIP Admission badges and a four-course Grand Buffet Luncheon.

WHITE ROSE RESTAURANT

The White Rose Restaurant is located within the Wetherby Millennium Stand and overlooks the Paddock Enclosure and Parade Ring. Tables are available to book in advance (advisable), but are also available on the majority of our racedays (Excl bet365 Charlie Hall Saturday and The Yorkshire Christmas Meeting) on a first-come basis. Tables are available for groups of up to 12 (max). Racegoers will need to have a Premier Badge or equivalent in order to access the Restaurant.

All tickets and badges will be carefully checked and Metal badges will also be recorded on entry. Wetherby Racecourse cannot guarantee the validity of any tickets or badges unless purchased directly from The Racecourse.

Smoking

To assist compliance with the Health Act 2006, it is against the law to smoke within any facility or stand within Wetherby Racecourse and where you see the Non-Smoking signs.

Smoking is permitted in outside areas.

Those partaking of tobacco products are requested to use the smoking receptacles provided.

Sponsorship

Race Sponsorship is an ideal way to promote your company and build brand awareness, and it can also be used to celebrate a special occasion.

We offer a discount to students with a valid photographic student ID Card.

£5.00 reduction into the Paddock Enclosure.

£3.00 reduction into the Course Enclosure.

These discounts are only applicable at the turnstiles on the day of racing.

Telephones

There are no public telephones located within the Racecourse. If you have to make an urgent call please contact a member of the Racecourse Stewarding team who can assist.

Ticket Collection Point

Tickets and badges purchased in advance of our race meetings are sent out approximately 2 weeks prior to the race day.

Tickets and badges purchased less than 5 working days prior to the race meeting are retained for collection from our Ticket Collection Point, which is located at our main turnstile entrance and is clearly signed.

Tickets will be held in the name of the person who ordered them and identification may be requested by staff at the collection point.

Please check your badges and tickets at the collection point and immediately notify any discrepancies to the staff on duty.

Please note that for security reasons the Ticket Collection Point will not accept any badges/tickets from anyone other than Racecourse Management. If you have to pass on badges to other guests you will need to pass them on personally.

Transfers and Upgrades

The facility to transfer between the enclosures is available on most race days subject to availability. The Transfer fee will be the difference between the advertised enclosure prices on the day.

Course Enclosure to Paddock – is available at every race fixture from the transfer kiosk (Please ask a steward for directions).

Paddock Enclosure to Premier – is available at the majority of our fixtures subject to availability. On certain fixtures we may sell out either in advance of the raceday or during the morning of racing. (bet365 Charlie Hall Saturday and The Yorkshire Christmas Meeting particularly). The transfer kiosk is located temporarily (Oct 16 to June 17) in a kiosk within the Paddock Enclosure, opposite the new development works.